Most followers of Christ desire to make a difference in this world by witnessing to and demonstrating the love of Christ to those around us. We do this most effectively by living out our faith daily. Our “outreach efforts” that we program into the life of the church are important, but when the dust settles, we find that most people that are reached with the gospel and come into the church, do so because someone reached out to them personally in the course of life.

My experience tells me this is the case. My observations confirm this as well. So…how can we see the effectiveness of this process improve? There are three ways…

A Genuine Faith – a genuine faith will create in a person the desire to make an impact. Going through the motions or having a religious experience will soon burn out and, at best, just do good things without having a spiritual impact on those to whom one ministers.

An Outward Focus – Although we may have a desire to make an impact, we continually fight with the flesh that wants to live in a world all about “me.” It takes a constant effort and a conscious effort to allow the Holy Spirit to develop this type of heart. This is what the process of sanctification should be developing in us.

A Willingness to Suffer – Perhaps the single most effective way to impact the world with the gospel is through our own suffering. When we go through the fire of suffering or even face death demonstrating a settled peace in God, it speaks volumes to those around us. Read the comments of Pastor Matt Chandler as he wrote this blog just hours before facing brain surgery for a tumor. Note the impact he is making in the process.

I ask myself, “Can I say with Paul that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News? Is it true that in all things my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. To me, does living mean living for Christ, and dying is even better?” That is my goal.

How has Christ been glorified in your life? What struggles has He used to touch the lives of others?